Castanospermum

In the summer: up to 64,4-73,4 ° F, in winter not lower than 60,8 ° F.

Humidity

The plant should be sprayed on hot days in summer, and in winter, if the plant is near the central heating radiators

Lighting

Bright diffused light, does not tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. It is best to grow on a western or eastern window.

The soil

Ready ground is suitable general purpose with the addition of a small amount of sand. For soil preparation: 1 part of the sod land, 1 part sheet, 1 part compost and 1 part coarse-grained sand or perlite, in the soil there may be clumps of clay and brick chips. Need good drainage. Always use a pot with a hole. pH =” 5.9.

Watering

Pour water at room temperature. The substrate must be moist, but not wet, because stagnant water is harmful to the plant. Watered when the soil dries to a depth of 2-3 cm. In winter, watering is even more moderate.

Fertilizer

From spring to autumn, 2 times a month podkarlivayut liquid fertilizer.

Reproduction

Seeds in the spring. Pre-soaked (24 hours) and swollen seeds to be planted in a mixture of peat and perlite, half buried in the substrate, cover polyethylene, placed under indirect light or fluorescent lamps. Maintain a temperature of 64,4-77 ° F. Transplant the plants when the first pair of leaves form.

Bloom

At home, unfortunately, do not bloom. In nature, bloom in November-December, red flowers have a size of 3-4 cm, in their place then develop pods.

Transfer

Rasteie repot when the soil begins to dry out too quickly (in less than 3 days).

Features of care

It loves the sun because it is a thermophilic and hygrophilous plant. In young sprouts for several months cotyledons are retained in the base of the plant.

Difficulties

Affected spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects and thrips. Leaves pale from lack of light, and turn yellow in the summer due to exposure to direct sunlight. Too slow growth is observed, as a rule, due to a lack of nutrients. If the leaves wilt and fall in the winter, it is obviously the result of exposure to too low temperatures. The tips of the leaves dry out in too dry air.